Scientists believe rare rescue is a sign that the fearsome reptiles may be capable of compassion
In an apparent example of interspecies compassion, a group of crocodiles appeared to usher a dog to safety after it fell into a dangerous river.
The dog, believed to be a stray, was being chased by a pack of other feral canines when it jumped into the River Savirtri in India out of harm’s way, or so it thought.
But the river was infested by local mugger crocodiles, and three of them were floating near the stray.
This should have been the end of the helpless pup, with the crocs being “well within the striking range,” according to a report published by scientists in the Journal of Threatening Taxa.
However, the crocodiles appeared to usher the dog back to safety on the shore.
“These crocodiles were actually touching the dog with their snouts and nudging it to move further for a safe ascent on the bank and eventually escape,” the researchers wrote.
“The muggers were well within the striking range and could have easily devoured the dog, yet none of them attacked and instead chose to nudge it towards the bank, implying that the hunger drive was absent.”
The researchers say that the crocodiles were “docile”. Adult male mugger crocs can reach 18 feet long and weigh up to 1,000 pounds, according to the Wildlife Institute of India.
The researchers said they believe that the pup rescue could be a sign of the crocs having emotional intelligence.
“The curious case of a dog ‘rescued’ by the group of crocodiles reported here seems more on lines of empathy than altruistic behaviour,” the scientists said.
Aside from the muggers’ apparent alliance with stray dogs, scientists discovered another wholesome obsession that the crocs appeared to have: marigold flowers.
Crocodiles are often seen floating or laying in marigolds, often keeping “physical contact” with the yellow flowers, which the researchers note have compounds that can protect skin from fungi and bacteria.
The Savitri River is polluted with sewage and other harmful ingredients, so this may be why they like to have contact with the petals.
Barely able to lift her head, this poor dog has learned to communicate with her gaze, conveying a poignant and sorrowful tale.
When He Saw His Saviors, He Used the Last of His Strength to Wag His Tail in Thanks
Early morning on 15 Jan, ONG Paraíso dos Focinhos got report about this dog, they were totally shocked.
A lady found this poor dog on her way to work. It might abandoned there for a while, couldn’t stand up, couldn’t eat food she supplied or understand.
The kind lady couldn’t transport the weak dog to her office, so she took few images, filmed a short movie & submitted to ONG Paraíso dos Focinhos.
Before leaving, she also covered it with her blanket. The dog waved his tail as pleading her don’t abandon him.
Rescue squad went there as swiftly as they could. The poor dog was in a lot of discomfort and totally dehydrated.
They took blood test to see if if he has synopsis. Blood transfusion is needed as he couldn’t eat adequately.
The brave boy gained 4 pounds in just few days, but he still couldn’t stand up and walk correctly.
They named her Dega, and she started to gain appetize about day 7.
After 3 weeks, Dega’s leg was considerably stronger and still quite slender and couldn’t run correctly.
3 months after they found her. She’s so different now and it’s time to reunion with her rescuer…
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